Frequently Asked Questions

I am under 18, can my parents buy me a RiF?

Yes, members of the Armed Forces can buy a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF) for official training purposes or for personal use if they are also a member of an insured airsoft site or reenactment group, but they are subject to the same rules as civilians for personal purchase. For training, you need to provide proof of your affiliation, such as an email from a superior, and delivery must be to your unit, not a residential address. For personal use, you must meet the same "valid defence" requirements as anyone else, such as being a member of a UKARA-registered airsoft site. 

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I am under 18, can my parents buy me a RiF?

​In the UK, it is illegal to sell any imitation firearm (IF), including a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF), to anyone under the age of 18. It is also an offence for a person under 18 to purchase one. 

However, the law does permit a person over 18 to purchase a RIF (provided they have a valid defence, such as UKARA membership or membership of an insured airsoft site) and then gift it to someone under 18, as long as no money or services are exchanged by the minor for the item. In this situation, the adult who made the purchase remains legally responsible for the item until the minor turns 18. 

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I am under 18, can I buy an Imitation Firearm or "Two Tone "?

​No, if you are under 18, you cannot buy an "Imitation Firearm" or "Two Tone" item. UK law prohibits anyone under 18 from purchasing or selling imitation firearms, and anyone over 18 from selling them to a person under 18. 

• It's illegal: Section 24A of the Firearms Act 1968 makes it an offence for anyone under 18 to buy an imitation firearm, and for anyone to sell one to someone under 18.

• Age restriction applies to all imitation firearms: This applies to both realistic imitation firearms (RIFs) and "two-tone" versions.

• Parental purchase is not a loophole: While a parent may be able to purchase a RIF and gift it, they are still subject to the same age and eligibility rules. The parent must be over 18 and have a valid defence to purchase it. 

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​​Who are the eligible purchasers?

​To purchase a RIF (an airsoft gun that looks like a real firearm), a person must be over 18 and be part of a recognised group or have a specific purpose that serves as a legal defence.

 

These eligible categories include: 

• Registered Airsoft Skirmishers: The most common defence is being a member of a UKARA-registered airsoft site. To qualify, you must have played at least three games over a period of no less than 56 days at the same insured site.

• Museum or Gallery Curators: For the purposes of a museum or gallery exhibit.

• Film, Television, or Theatre Production: For use in the production of films or television programmes, or theatrical performances and rehearsals.

• Historical Re-enactment: Membership in a properly insured historical re-enactment group or society.

• Crown Servants: Individuals in the service of the Crown who require the RIF for their official duties. 

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​Can I have my RiF sent to a different address?

​Yes, you can have your RiF (Realistic Imitation Firearm) delivered to a different address.

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How long to charge airsoft battery?

Airsoft battery charge times vary significantly depending on the battery's chemistry and capacity, and the charger's output rate. A general guideline is 1 to 3 hours for LiPo batteries and 4 to 6 hours for NiMH batteries, but you can calculate a more precise time by dividing the battery's mAh capacity by the charger's mA output. Always use a smart charger to prevent overcharging, which can damage the battery. 

 

How to calculate charge time

For NiMH batteries: Use the formula (Battery Capacity in mAh×cross ×1.5) / Charger Output in mA = Hours to charge. 

• Example: A 1600mAh battery with a 500mA charger would take approximately 4.8 hours to charge ((1600×1.5)/500=4.81600 cross 1.5 close paren / 500 equals 4.8 1600×1.5)/500=4.8). 

 

For LiPo batteries:

• The charging time is generally faster and can be calculated by dividing the battery's mAh capacity by the charger's output in mA. The safest charge rate is often 1C, meaning the charger's output should be equal to the battery's capacity in Amps (e.g., a 1000mAh battery should be charged at 1A). 

• Example: A 1100mAh battery with a 1100mA (1.1A) charger would take approximately 1 hour to charge (1100/1100=11100 / 1100 equals 1 1100/1100=1

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Important charging tips

• Use the right charger: Always use a charger specifically designed for your battery's chemistry (e.g., a LiPo charger for LiPo batteries). 

• Prevent overcharging: Use a smart or automatic cut-off charger to prevent damage to the battery, especially with LiPo batteries. 

• Consider the battery's current charge: If the battery is not completely drained, it will charge faster. You can check the voltage with a multimeter to get a more accurate estimate. 

• Always use a fireproof  charging bags.